Carson-Newman spikers to do battle in Eagle Invitational
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman volleyball (0-2) squares off against three more challenging opponents when it takes to the court for its second straight home tournament – the Eagle Invitational. Palm Beach Atlantic (8-2), Montevallo (6-3) and UNC Pembroke (5-4) all invade Holt Fieldhouse for the event beginning Friday at 4 p.m.
Last weekend the Eagles lost two five-set matches to Francis Marion and an Armstrong Atlantic club that is receiving votes in the latest AVCA poll.
"You can look at those losses one of two ways," Carson-Newman head volleyball coach Shannon Mincey said. "We barely lost or we could have won. We're hoping this weekend if we do find ourselves in a fifth set, that we're more mature with what we do."
The Eagles are led by senior libero Angelle Hayes (Brentwood, Tenn.), who averages more than 4.7 d/s and was named to the Carson-Newman Classic All-Tournament Team last weekend, and sophomore outside hitter Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.), who crushed 17 kills against Armstrong Atlantic.
Mincey said the entire team will need to perform against the likes of Palm Beach Atlantic.
"They took Flagler (ranked 22nd to five sets) and won," Mincey said. "They're big, strong and physical. Angelle, Tina (Hill) and Rachael (Bowlin) need to step up for us on the back row this weekend."
The Pelicans boast two players in Mariela Quesada and Christina Alessi who average more than 3.3 k/s.
"We have to be good out of system against Palm Beach," Mincey said. "Looking at those numbers on paper, the hits are going to be hard. I'm sure not every single dig is going to be perfect to target, so our hitter need to know that they still need to do something with an off set ball."
Montevallo's won three matches in a row, most recently with a sweep of Barton, while UNC Pembroke has reeled off three straight wins as well with sweeps over St. Augustine's and Coker.
The Eagles continue tournament play Saturday morning at 9 against UNC Pembroke and continue action that day at 3 p.m. against Montevallo.
Live stats and video streaming will be provided for Friday's matches at the following link. Live stats will be streamed for all matches Saturday here.
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